Name: Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Traditional
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Introduction

These Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with the warm, aromatic spices of chai. They are perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends and family. Simple to make, they bring a delightful twist to a traditional favorite.

A stack of six round, light beige cookies with a smooth, slightly grainy texture sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim. Each cookie has a dusting of fine brown powder on top, with the edges showing a slight darker brown baked color. The cookies are piled in the center of the plate, with two cinnamon sticks placed neatly to the right side of the plate and some star anise scattered around, resting on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, a pale green cup with a white interior is partially visible. The photo is taken closely to highlight the cookies' texture and the warm spices around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
½ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend, stirring until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger chai flavor, increase the spice blend by a half teaspoon or add a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Use cold butter and pulse the dough briefly in a food processor for a more tender cookie texture.
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Warm frozen cookies briefly in the oven before serving to restore their softness.

How to Serve

A stack of three light brown, slightly round hexagonal cookies with smooth, lightly speckled surfaces and slightly browned edges sits on a white plate. Next to the cookies are brown star anise and two cinnamon sticks, all placed on a white marbled surface. Behind the plate, there is a white cup with a brown decorative pattern blurred in the background. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the warm tones of the cookies and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, so look for one that contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents.

What is chai spice blend and can I make it at home?

Chai spice blend is a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. You can easily make your own by combining equal parts of these ground spices or adjust to taste for a personalized blend.